I ran out of my injection diabetes medication this morning (Toujeo).
I've been taking this for a few years now. I have been receiving two pens per month for a couple of years now. When I first started, I was on 3 pens a month. But i've lost some weight and reduced the dosage to where I usually have enough for the entire month. I've run out on "long" months with 31 days... not a huge deal.
I called the pharmacy this morning to see if my refill was ready (I had asked to get it refilled on Friday). They told me it would be ready tonight after 5.
I get in there and they have one pen. I know they sometimes have issues getting it sourced so i asked where the 2nd pen was.
The pharmacy tech says "It's only one pen this month."
Confused, I asked why. She pokes on the computer and says "oh, see, two pens is 32 days worth. Insurance only authorizes enough for 31 doses per month."
I'm like, "When did 2 pens turn into 32 days worth? And what do they think I'm going to do with one pen? Use it for half the month and then wait for the next insurance cycle?"
She kinda looks at me like I'm stupid. (Maybe I am)
How did this suddenly become 32 days worth? and why is this just now coming up?
Half an hour later, the pharmacist calls me over to discuss. Yadda, yadda, yadda, they had to get creative to account for a days worth of medication so I could get 2 pens.
United Healthcare has repeatedly forced me to go through re-authorization with the doctor's office at the beginning of the year. Telling me they want me to try some alternative medication (that is cheaper). The doctor has to send a letter explaining that we tried these medications in the past and that Toujeo has proven to be more effective.
I'm kind of more than mildly infuriated but the pharmacy made things work (at least for this month).